I put a post out on the forum by mistake - is there a way to delete it?

Under To Me 2

message 60 0f 69

can you help?

Hi Andrew

Next to the reply button in the lower right corner of the box is an arrow pointing down.  It has delete option

thanks!

Hey gaylesybil, 

We're happy to have you joining us. Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry to hear that you're having to undergo surgery. I hope it goes well and wish you the best with it. Some smokers do feel scared at the thought of quitting. Anxiety and insomnia both can be signs of nicotine withdrawal. So, try to stay in the moment and not to look too far ahead, as that can sometimes cause added stress or anxiety that you don't need starting out. Take each day as it comes, one hour, one minute at a time. Anne is right about the fact that straws can be useful. Some find that drinking ice water through a straw helps. However when I was quitting, I found that taking a white straw and cutting it about the same length as a cigarette and holding it as I held a cigarette helped. The reason being, it was white like a cigarette, about the same diameter, and at that point (after being cut) was about the same weight and length too. One of my biggest issues, because like you I too smoked for multiple decades, was just missing having one in my hand. The straw helped with that. Plus if I forgot and put it to my mouth so what, it was only a straw. Another great thing about it too was that I could keep them with me even in places where smoking wasn't permitted. Anne gave you great advice about using distraction. Distraction is a great tool for cessation. Also, if you feel you're going to cave into a craving you can also come here for support. Post at least three times, three minutes apart. This will give someone here a chance to respond and to try to help. It will also allow time for the craving to pass. Quitting isn't easy but it is doable. It's also so worth it and more importantly, and I say this often, YOU are worth it. I'll leave some helpful and informative articles here for you too. I wish you the best toward your quit, your surgery, and for a speedy recovery. Post anytime. We're all here for you and each other. 

Best wishes. 

Have a great day.  

Verywell Mind

Why Are You Afraid to Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking is tough. But you could have fears about quitting, which make it even harder. Learn how to overcome these fears about quitting.

Read more from Verywell Mind

Verywell Mind

12 Ways to Relieve Insomnia When You Quit Smoking

Insomnia is a common side effect of quitting smoking. These 12 tips will help you weather this phase of smoking cessation more easily.

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Verywell Mind

Fight the Urge to Smoke By Knowing These 4 Triggers

Get helpful tips to prepare for, decipher, and manage your reaction when you get the urge to smoke a cigarette.

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Verywell Mind

10 Practical Tips to Help With Nicotine Withdrawal

Learn about the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal a new ex-smoker should expect to experience and

Andrew, 

I'm so sorry I missed this but happy that Susan was able to assist you with it. 

Have a great day.  

Hey Susan, 

Thank you so much for assisting Andrew with that. It's great appreciated. 

Have a great day.  

Hi Denim,

Not a problem.  That’s what forum friends are for.   
Are you still working PRN? 

Thank you denim 50, 

I've already got insomnia and anxiety, which is part of the reason I smoke.

Doc won't give me anything for my anxiety now because he's given me sleeping pills.  But I rarely take them because a) they don't work that well (but are better than no sleep at all), and b) I have to hoard them.  Asking for them is like begging God for forgiveness.

I've done really well these past few days of getting my smoking way way down to just a few a day (no nicotine at all allowed after midnight the day of surgery, and I'll be in hospital the next night.

I feel like I'm living a nightmare right now, but keep telling myself it will be over and that there are much worse things to live through.  

Hey gaylesybil, 

You're very welcome. I'm happy to try to help.

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through all of that but I think that you'll be fine through your stay, and I wish you the best with that and your recovery afterward. I do realize it can be quite scary though and bring on a bit of apprehension or heighten your stress or anxiety levels. One thing to keep in mind though is that it's not a long stay. Think of places you go where smoking isn't allowed, the store, the library, motel/hotel on a trip. Just remind yourself that this is temporary and that it's one of those places where it isn't permitted. Try taking along a book to read, a puzzle or crossword book. If you do knitting, crocheting, or maybe needlepoint, or have games you like to play on your tablet, laptop, or phone, or if you just like to browse, read, or interact on the internet, think about taking some of that along with you. Any portable hobby or interest can help to distract you and pass the time. If you watch a movie during your stay, think of it like a cinema, you can't smoke there either but you can enjoy the film. Almost any distraction and especially those that occupy your mind, hands, or both can help. Also, consider a straw. These things may sound silly to you but they can help. Remember too that following the operation you will probably be given something to help you rest more comfortably and may be resting during part of your stay, so that will pass some of the time too. I truly wish you all the best with it. I'm not sure exactly when your operation is scheduled but I do hope following it, after you've returned home, that you'll let us know how you're doing. Continued best wishes. 

Have a great day.